Cinco de Mayo in the United States has become synonymous not only with tacos, sombreros, and piñatas, but also with margaritas, tequila, and beer. Since alcohol is such a big part of many Cinco de Mayo festivities, it’s no surprise that drunk driving is especially high on May 5th.Ocean City police are urging citizens to designate a sober driver or plan another sober ride home before heading to the bars this Cinco de Mayo.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 233 people were killed in drunk driving crashes on Cinco de Mayo (6 p.m. May 4th to 5:59 a.m. May 6th) from 2008 to 2012. In 2012, almost half (45 percent) of all traffic crash fatalities on Cinco de Mayo involved drunk driving.
“Some people have this misconception that they can drink a little, and drive safely,” said Chief Ross Buzzuro, “but that’s just not true. Everyone needs to remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and there’s never an excuse for it.”
Every 51 minutes in 2012, someone was killed in a drunk driving crash in the United States, and 89 of those fatalities were around Cinco de Mayo, according to the NHTSA. In fact, from 2011 to 2012, the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes on Cinco de Mayo more than doubled. In all fatal crashes in 2012, seventy-one percent of the drunk drivers involved had blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .15 or higher—almost twice the legal limit.
Ocean City police reminds all citizens that plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo to designate a sober driver beforehand or call a sober friend to ensure a safe ride home. Citizens are also encouraged to call one of the many local taxi companies or ride the municipal bus.
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8 comments:
Just don't go to Old Mill!
And don'y drink too much Ta Kill Ya.
I will stay at my still, and shine on. I prefer not to participate in the commercial alcohol world. Not that "cinco de mayo" means anything, other than bars and restaurants exploiting patrons. Kind of like "valentine's day". Crockery.
NO you idiot, The 5th of may is mexicos independence I believe... We use it as an excuse to party and drink more... And you're right it does not mean anything to us but to drink...
Also pay attention to the fact that most of our populace is not mexican and their culture as well as others have mingled with ours so perhaps thats another reason why we celebrate it because they do...
11:04
The 5th of My is NOT their independence day. You really should have looked that up before you start off a comment calling someone an idiot.
Who cares what it is they can go back there and celebrate whatever 3rd world cause it stand for!
11:04 Mexicans don't celebrate "cinco de mayo", but good job painting yourself. Their "Independence Day" is Sept 16. Research, use it.
We will be there
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